Hardy Kiwi Ananasnaya (female) - Actinidia arguta

The Ananasnaya arguta Kiwai, also known as Anna Kiwai, generously produces fruits with a taste of pineapple. Like grapes, the smooth and thin skin of the Kiwai can be eaten whole. Extremely tasty and melting in the mouth, the bright green flesh is juicy and its flavours are sweet, tropical, and fruity. This female variety requires the presence of a male plant nearby for pollination. Originally from Poland, this very hardy variety of mini-kiwi produces green fruits that turn red on the sun-exposed sides, from September to early October.

In the Kiwi category, you can find the ornamental Kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta), the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) with fuzzy skin, and the Kiwi (Actinidia arguta) with smooth skin also known as Siberian Kiwi or Kiwai. All three belong to the Actinidiaceae family. The Ananasnaya arguta Kiwai (female) is a new Polish cultivar that produces long branches that can reach 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet) in length. The branches bear deciduous leaves measuring 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in length, green, and heart-shaped, which fall in autumn. In June-July, fragrant and nectar-rich flowers appear at the axils of the leaves, cream-white in colour with purple anthers, grouped in threes. The oval-shaped fruits, measuring 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter and 3cm (1in) in length, with smooth and thin skin, ripen in September-October. They can be stored for one to two weeks after picking. Its green, sweet, fragrant, and slightly acidic flesh tastes like pineapple, with tropical and lemon flavours. It is rich in calcium and vitamin C. It can be consumed whole. Fruiting begins 2 to 3 years after planting. The female Ananasnaya arguta Kiwai can be pollinated by the Weiki arguta Kiwai (male). Like the Kiwi, one male plant can fertilise 4 to 5 female plants.

In addition to its fruit qualities, its luxuriant foliage, fragrant flowering, and generous branches make the Kiwai a useful ornamental plant in the garden. This plant needs to be trained on a sturdy support such as wires stretched on a frame, a trellis, a pergola, an arbour, or a fence. It prefers light, slightly moist, lime-free soil and a sunny exposure.

You can consume and enjoy the fruits straight from the garden. They can also be stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Production can reach up to 30 to 50kg per plant. The Kiwai can be eaten fresh, its flavour is refreshing and melting, a true delight. It can be enjoyed in pies, fruit salads, dairy desserts, jams, jellies, compotes, fruit juices, and cocktails. As a sweet vegetable, it can tenderly accompany white meat dishes.